Retrofit temporary rudder device for trolling boat

ABSTRACT

A stabilizer plate is provided that protrudes below the surface of the water when connected to a downwardly extending shaft and extends rearwardly from the stern of the boat. An adjustable handle/bracket connected to the downwardly extending shaft connects the stabilizer plate to the boat transom.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present invention is a continuation of U.S. Provisional Patent No. 60/184,907 filed on Feb. 25, 2000.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates generally to trolling boats and, more particularly, to a retrofit rudder-type device to make a trolling boat go straight.

[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0005] A trolling boat has the motor in the front unlike most boats with the motors in the back. The invention is attached to the back (stern) of the boat and extends into the water. The device is rectangular with the longer side in line with the center of the boat. There is a handle that extends upward above the waterline for a person to move the rudder-type invention and steer the boat. Once attached by the screw-type handle at the top where it fits on the transit of the stern of the rear of the boat, turn the handle on the trolling motor, located in the front of the boat, to turn left or right. The plate that is lowered down into the water keeps the back of the boat from going side ways in the water therefore keeping the boat straight when trolling.

[0006] A search of the prior art did not disclose any patents that read directly on the claims of the instant invention; however, the following references were considered related.

[0007] The following patents disclose steering and speed control for trolling motors.

[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 5,564,956 issued in the name of McDavid

[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 5,171,173 issued in the name of Henderson et al.

[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 3,807,345 issued in the name of Peterson

[0011] The following patents describe an emergency or auxiliary control or steering handle attachment for a trolling motor.

[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 5,453,030 issued in the name of Broussard

[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 4,735,166 issued in the name of Dimalanta

[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 4,723,500 issued in the name of Havins, Sr.

[0015] U.S. Pat. No. 4,130,079 issued in the name of Rhorer et al.

[0016] U.S. Pat. No. 5,725,401 issued in the name of Smith discloses a troll motor tilt trigger attached to the outside of a steering housing.

[0017] U.S. Pat. No. 4,624,206 issued in the name of Frye et al. describes a foldable auxiliary steering arm for trolling motors.

[0018] U.S. Pat. No. 4,114,074 issued in the name of Stewart et al. discloses a device for electronic direction control of trolling motors.

[0019] Consequently, a need has been felt for providing a stern mounted stabilizer plate for small fishing boats utilizing a trolling motor on the bow.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0020] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide steering and control to a boat with a trolling motor.

[0021] It is a feature of the present invention to provide an improved such a device that has easy installation, more control for fishing boats, and lightweight structure.

[0022] Briefly described according to one embodiment of the present invention, a stabilizer plate protrude below the surface of the water connected to a downwardly extending shaft and extends rearwardly from the stern of the boat. An adjustable handle/bracket connected to the downwardly extending shaft connects the stabilizer plate to the boat transom.

[0023] Advantages of the present invention include its easy installation, more control for fishing boats, and lightweight structure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which:

[0025]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of a retrofit temporary rudder device for a trolling boat embodying the present disclosure as shown affixed to an otherwise conventional trolling boat; and

[0026]FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view thereof.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0027] The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within the Figures.

[0028] 1. Detailed Description of the Figures

[0029] Referring now to FIG. 1-2, a stern mounted stabilizer plate for small fishing boats 10 is disclosed. For use on a boat 20 that has a trolling motor 22 on the bow 24, a stabilizer plate 11 protruding below the surface of the water and is connected to a downwardly extending shaft 12. The stabilizer plate 11 pivots laterally in relation to the vertical centerline of the shaft 12, and is connected to the shaft 12 by a swivelling mechanism 14 that allow the stabilizer plate 11 to be “folded” up out of the water when not in use, but easily pivoted downward to enter the water when needed. The shaft 12 extends rearwardly from the stern 26 of the boat. On the top of the shaft is an adjustable handle bracket 16. The handle bracket 16 is for temporary connection of the said stabilizer plate to the boat transom 27, and can be easily removed.

[0030] The foregoing description is included to illustrate the operation of the preferred embodiment and is not meant to limit the scope of the invention. The scope of the invention is to be limited only by the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A retrofit rudder-type device to make a trolling boat go straight for small fishing boats which utilize a trolling motor on the bow, said stern mounted stabilizer plate protruding below the surface of the water and comprising: a horizontal stabilizer plate for functioning as a rudder member; a downwardly extending shaft, said shaft connecting to said horizontal rudder member and extending rearwardly from the stern of the boat; an adjustable handle bracket connected to the downwardly extending shaft, said handle bracket for connecting said stabilizer plate to the boat transom.
 2. The retrofit rudder-type device of claim 1 , wherein said rudder member pivots laterally in relation to the vertical centerline of the shaft.
 3. The retrofit rudder-type device of claim 2 , wherein said rudder member is connected to the shaft by a swivelling mechanism that allow the rudder member to be “folded” up out of the water when not in use, but easily pivoted downward to enter the water when needed. 